Christmas is coming as parade rolls into Wigan town centre

Father Christmas waves to the crowds during his parade in Wigan

The annual Santa parade passed through the town centre on Sunday afternoon, to the delight of scores of families who turned out to join in the festivities.

Other news: A&E waiting times in Wigan are increasingPulled along by his trusted reindeers, Father Christmas and his sleigh set off from Mesnes Park, heading onto the high street before stopping in Believe Square.

Many excited children then had the chance to meet the big man himself, as well as his reindeers.

Father Christmas meets people gathered in Wigan town centre for the parade

The parade was followed by a sack full of entertainment and performances from local community groups, a street theatre troupe and a Christmas pipe band.

The free event came off the back of last week’s annual Christmas lights switch-on.

Former X-Factor and I’m A Celebrity star Jake Quickenden was the headline act on the night.

And despite some sections of the event over-running, it was nonetheless a fun-filled spectacle to remember.

Find out more about some of Wigan’s upcoming Christmas events by visiting wigan.gov.uk.